Why in News
The launch of Nafithromycin (Miqnaf)—India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic in over 30 years—marks a critical step in the battle against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). However, experts warn that the AMR crisis is too vast for one solution and demands sustained, multi-pronged action.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | AMR occurs when microorganisms resist drugs (like antibiotics, antivirals), making infections harder to treat. |
| Nickname | “Superbugs” |
| Global Threat Status | Listed among WHO’s top 10 global health threats |
| Health Impact (2019) | India: 2.97 lakh deaths; Globally: 1.27 million deaths (IHME Report) |
| Future Projections | By 2050: 1.91 million direct deaths; 8.22 million associated deaths (The Lancet) |
Key Issues Leading to AMR in India
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Overuse of Antibiotics | Prescribed even for viral infections; 59% from WHO “Watch” group in 2022 |
| Weak Healthcare Infra | Lack of diagnostics leads to broad-spectrum use; poor hygiene fuels spread |
| No New Antibiotics | Pharma prefers chronic disease drugs; no new Indian antibiotic for 30 years until 2024 |
| Unregulated Animal Use | 70% used in livestock and aquaculture; enters food chain and water |
| Environmental Pollution | Pharma waste, untreated sewage contaminate rivers, creating resistance hotspots |
Consequences of Rising AMR
| Consequence | Impact |
|---|---|
| Health | Untreatable infections (e.g., TB); surgeries and chemotherapy become riskier |
| Economic Cost | $1 trillion healthcare cost by 2050; up to $3.4 trillion GDP loss by 2030 |
| Food Security | Resistant bacteria in poultry; fungal-resistant crop diseases (e.g., blight in wheat) |
| Environmental Spread | AMR genes spread via sewage, rivers (e.g., Ganga), migratory birds |
| Social Impact | Poor communities more vulnerable; public trust in treatment declines |
Measures Underway to Tackle AMR in India
| Measure Category | Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework | National Action Plan on AMR (2017); NCDC coordinates across 27 states |
| Surveillance | NARS-Net monitors 9 pathogens including E. coli |
| Drug Regulation | 156 FDCs banned (Aug 2024); Schedule H1 restricts OTC sales of last-resort antibiotics |
| State-Level Action | Kerala banned OTC antibiotics (Jan 2024), a first in India |
| R&D Support | C-CAMP AMR Challenge; startups like Bugworks; pharma companies like Wockhardt active |
| Awareness Campaigns | Red Line Campaign discourages use of antibiotics without prescription |
| International Tie-ups | India part of WHO’s GLASS for global AMR data tracking |
Further Measures to Combat AMR
| Suggested Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Strengthen Regulation | Enforce Schedule H1; regulate pharma discharge; ban non-therapeutic livestock antibiotics |
| Incentivize R&D | Grants, tax breaks for antibiotics; expand support for AMR-focused startups |
| Expand Stewardship | Mandatory AMSPs; train doctors; use AI for real-time AMR tracking |
| Diagnostic Infrastructure | Affordable, rapid tests; rural diagnostics to reduce empirical prescribing |
| Public Awareness | Train ASHA workers; educate farmers on safe livestock practices |
| One Health Approach | Integrate health, agriculture, veterinary, environment sectors for unified AMR management |
Prelims MCQs
1. With reference to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), consider the following statements:
- AMR occurs when bacteria and viruses become more susceptible to antibiotics and antivirals.
- The World Health Organization lists AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats.
- AMR-related deaths are projected to exceed 8 million annually by 2050 if unchecked.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
2. Consider the following regarding the WHO’s “Watch” group of antibiotics:
- They are meant for routine use in mild infections.
- In India, a large proportion of consumed antibiotics fall under this group.
- Their overuse contributes significantly to antimicrobial resistance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
3. Which of the following are initiatives taken by India to tackle AMR?
- Red Line Campaign
- NARS-Net
- GLASS Surveillance System
- National Action Plan on AMR (2017)
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Mains Question
GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology / Health
“The recent launch of Nafithromycin is a welcome step, but the AMR challenge in India requires more than just new drugs.”
Discuss the multifactorial causes of AMR in India and suggest a sustainable roadmap incorporating the One Health approach.
